The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops announced to staff May 4 a dramatic reorganization of its communications department, including the closure of the Washington and New York offices of Catholic News Service.
National News
Expert Says Supreme Court Leaked Draft ‘Astonishing and Appalling’
Sherif Girgis said he felt “kind of a gut punch” after the draft of a Supreme Court majority decision was leaked late on May 2. The former law clerk at the nation’s high court couldn’t believe what he called an “astonishing and appalling” move by the leaker.
Pro-life Advocacy Groups Plan Next Steps After Abortion Opinion Leak
Although many pro-life groups immediately reacted positively to the news that the majority of Supreme Court justices seem set to overturn the court’s Roe v. Wade decision, some tempered their reaction with a continued call for more advocacy while others kept a wait-and-see approach until the court issues its opinion in the weeks ahead.
Catholic University Names Street in Honor of Sister Thea Bowman
Officials at The Catholic University of America dedicated and blessed a campus street April 29 named in honor of the late Sister Thea Bowman, a noted educator and evangelist who studied at Catholic University and whose cause for canonization was opened in 2018.
Ordination Survey Finds Dropping Percentages of new White U.S. Priests
The annual report of new priests commissioned by the U.S. bishops shows that among those who responded, a shrinking number are white, a sign of the “little-C” catholic nature of the Catholic Church.
SCOTUS Confirms Leaked Draft is Authentic; Chief Justice Roberts: ‘Egregious Breach of Trust’
The Supreme Court appears set to overturn its Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion for nearly 50 years, according to a leaked initial draft of a court opinion obtained by Politico and published online late Monday, May 2.
Oklahoma Bishops Praise State Lawmaker’s Abortion Ban Bill
Oklahoma’s Catholic bishops praised state lawmakers for approving legislation April 28 to ban abortions at six weeks of pregnancy, modeling similar legislation in Texas.
Mass Honors Construction Workers who Died on job Sites This Past Year
Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory wore a white hard hat instead of a bishop’s miter as he processed to the altar April 26 for the second annual Building Trades’ Workers Memorial Day Mass at St. Camillus Church in Silver Spring.
Sister Norma Pimentel Accepts Peace Award for Families at Border
Sister Norma Pimentel visualized the tear-streaked, weary faces of people she serves at the border during her acceptance speech for the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award April 21 in Davenport.
Catholic University of America Dedicates ‘Angels Unawares’ Sculpture
A monumental work of art depicting migrants and refugees seeking a home has found its own permanent home at a new plaza at The Catholic University of America.